Characteristics of new patient referrals to specialised diabetic foot units across Europe and factors influencing delays. (2nd October 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bouillet, Benjamin; Ahluwalia, Raju; Iacopi, Elisabetta; Garcia-Klepzig, José Luis; Lüdemann, Claas; Manu, Chris; Meloni, Marco; Saenz De Buruaga, Víctor Rodriguez; Vouillarmet, Julien; Petit, Jean-Michel; Van Acker, Kristien; Lázaro-Martínez, José Luis
• Is Part Of: Journal of wound care. Volume 30:Number 10(2021)
• Page Start: 804
• Page End: 808
• Publication Date: 2021-10-02
• Subjects: classification -- delayed referral -- diabetic foot ulcer -- diabetic foot unit -- EURODIALE -- Europe -- infection -- Infectious Diseases Society of America -- multidisciplinary -- peripheral arterial disease -- specialised foot unit -- ulcer -- University of Texas -- wound -- wound care -- wound healing; Wounds and injuries -- Treatment -- Periodicals; Wound healing -- Periodicals; 617.1
• DOI: 10.12968/jowc.2021.30.10.804
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0969-0700

Abstract

Abstract : Objective: Foot ulcers are a common complication of diabetes and are associated with an increase in lower limb amputation and death. Early referral to a specialised unit is recommended. The aim of this study was to assess the characteristics of new-patient referrals to specialised diabetes foot care units across Europe and to determine the factors involved in delayed referral. Method: In this prospective observational study, consecutive patients with a new foot ulcer presenting to nine diabetic foot centres in five European countries (France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the UK) were included. Results: Some 25% of the 332 patients included had presented with a foot ulcer >3 months before referral to the participating foot clinic. Compared with patients referred earlier, patients with a long time to referral (>3 months) were older (p=0.006) and had a less severe wound according to Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) classification (p=0.003) and University of Texas classification (grade D=infection + peripheral artery disease, p=0.004). Conclusion: The proportion of patients with a diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) referred to a specialised unit >3 months after the beginning of the ulcer remained high throughout Europe. Patients with severe DFU were, however, referred more quickly by front line health professionals. Primary care professionals need to be made aware of the importance of early referral to a specialised unit in order to improve the management of foot disease in patients with diabetes. Declaration of interest: The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare.